Afropunk Blktopia Debuts at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

Brooklyn is set to host an extraordinary celebration of Black creativity and culture as Afropunk Blktopia makes its highly anticipated debut at this year’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! This vibrant event, scheduled for August 23 and 24, will electrify Prospect Park with a dynamic mix of music, art, and activism, embodying the essence of Black identity and imagination.

Afropunk, known for its rebellious spirit and dedication to celebrating the African diaspora, continues to push boundaries with Blktopia. This year’s theme, “A Radical Reimagining of Black Futures,” challenges the status quo, inviting participants to envision and actively build a future where Black lives not only survive but thrive. Blktopia is more than a festival; it’s a movement grounded in justice, equity, and the transformative power of Black creativity.

This year’s event marks the first time Afropunk will be held at Celebrate Brooklyn! The partnership between Afropunk and BRIC, both committed to social justice and the arts, is a natural one. Together, they aim to create an environment where participants are not just spectators but active contributors to a living, breathing cultural movement.

Blktopia is anchored in five main pillars: Innovation, Discovery, Empowerment, Artistry, and Social Change. These serve as the foundation for a future where the designs of oppression are dismantled, and the benefits of sustainability are shared by all. Innovation encourages the implementation of new systems and ideas, while Discovery fuels the exploration of uncharted territories and opportunities. Empowerment provides the tools and confidence to create meaningful change, turning passive observers into active creators and leaders.

Artistry, central to Afropunk, is key in Blktopia, expressing struggles, hopes, and ambitions across cultures. It bridges differences, conveying visions of a just society, with Social Change as the ultimate goal.

Attendees can expect a lineup that spans multiple genres, from punk to hip-hop to experimental sounds, featuring artists who are at the forefront of music and culture. Beyond the performances, Blktopia will offer a range of experiences that blend art, technology, and community. This includes installations, film screenings, panel discussions, and marketplaces where Black entrepreneurs and creators showcase their work.

Four-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu — the “First Lady of Neo Soul” — will headline both days. Among other highlights are singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr, who often sings backup for Badu; Brazilian singer-songwriter (and Latin Grammy nominee) Larissa Luz; separate sets by two members of Everyday People: Gitoo and DJ Moma; local New York artists Rebelmatic, Phunky Nomads, and Winter Wolf; and Fight Club NYC Ballroom Battle, hosted by Beyoncé’s dance co-captain Amari Marhsall.